The Continental: Looking Forward to Citroen and AMG, and Hating GM Mirrors

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Our German correspondent slices and dices the latest rumblings, news, and quick-hit driving impressions from the other side of the pond. His byline may say Jens Meiners, but we simply call him . . . the Continental.

At the Paris auto show last month, I spent a lot of time at the DS stand. That’s Citroën’s premium subsidiary, a stand-alone brand that has been separate from Peugeot and Citroën for about three years now. It is set to become a player on the international stage—including in the U.S. By 2020, DS aims to launch six new models to support a push to sell globally, and that doesn’t include updates and replacements for the current lineup. Within two years, DS plans to add a plug-in-hybrid crossover with an electric range of nearly 40 miles and electric driving capability up to 100 mph. What’s more, DS will have its own unique style.

Earlier this year, I drove a DS3, a direct response to BMW’s Mini and a declaration of war with its advertising claim: “Anti Retro.” It was the top, Performance model, and I enjoyed it immensely, with its 204-hp 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (co-developed with BMW, incidentally). Instead of a full review—this car isn’t coming to the U.S.—I will submit for your consideration that the DS3 is fast, responsive, and stylish, an excellent alternative to the equally fantastic Audi S1 and the Mini. If your travels take you to Europe, it’s worth seeking one out.

The DS models fill a gap left by defunct carmakers such as Saab and moribund ones like Lancia, in a segment deserted by Alfa Romeo as well. Those cars were the intellectual’s choice, somewhat aristocratic, with a style that isn’t as easily approachable as, say, a BMW’s, and known for their distinct personalities.

The arrival of DS on U.S. shores is a thing to look forward to (even if, as seems likely, it comes on an electric car with a “mobility” partner), but the French return to our turf may be initiated by an entirely different vehicle. I am told that Citroën is in talks with vacation destination communities in order to launch the E-Mehari, a funky, fully electric beach car that evokes the style of the C4 Cactus but is actually built by contract manufacturer Bolloré. You could see it soon in Florida. Just the thing for your drive to visit the House of the Mouse.

What’s With the Lights?

Speaking of Mickey Mouse . . . there comes that moment when you are soaking up that perfect harmony between the car and yourself, total control, pure enjoyment. I’ve experienced it in a number of General Motors products over the past few years: the Corvette, the new Camaro, pretty much every Cadillac. I’m looking ahead, focused on the road and the sound and the thrill of controlling a beautiful machine. All of a sudden, my heart sinks: red and blue lights in the rearview mirror. No way—another speeding ticket? It’s like a physical blow. Then I look again and remember: It’s just GM’s loathsome rearview mirror with red and blue lighting, duly reminding you that the OnStar system is on duty. A moment to avoid, one that could make a person walk away from any GM product forever. Will they never fix it?

Hyper-Hybrid from AMG

On the other end of the electrified-car spectrum, I am fully charged up by the prospect of the AMG hypercar that the company teased at the Paris auto show. That hybrid is designed to trounce anything else on the Nürburgring, but it won’t aim to dethrone the Bugatti Chiron in terminal velocity.

A top speed in the vicinity of 220 mph is “sufficient,” I am told. Indeed. Also, say my sources, we should expect to see an automated single-clutch transmission, which could be similar to the one in the Lamborghini Aventador, and scissor doors like those on the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.